Brian Behrens v. HHS - Hepatitis A, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) (2026)

Brian Behrens filed a petition on July 26, 2019, seeking compensation after receiving a hepatitis A/B vaccine on August 27, 2018. He alleged that the vaccination caused acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), a severe skin reaction, and that he was left with scarring and other adverse effects.

The public stipulation materials do not describe the full course of Mr. Behrens's rash, treatment, or scarring in narrative detail.

Respondent denied that the hepatitis A/B vaccine caused AGEP, scarring, or any other injury, and denied that Mr. Behrens had a current condition that was a sequela of vaccination.

The parties nevertheless filed a joint stipulation on March 24, 2026. Special Master Herbrina D.S.

Young reviewed the record, found the stipulation reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court that same day. Mr.

Behrens was awarded a lump sum of $45,000.00 for all damages available under section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act. Payment was directed through counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement.

Mr. Behrens was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V.

Durant PLLC in Washington, D.C.